COAS Calls for Joint Operations, Multi-Domain Integration as Army Expands to 12 Divisions
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger joint operations, intelligence sharing and multi-domain integration among the Armed Forces and other security agencies to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Shaibu made the call on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, during the graduation lecture of Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) Course 10/2026 in Abuja.
He said the increasingly complex nature of modern warfare required coordinated military capabilities, effective intelligence sharing and sustained collaboration among security agencies to achieve decisive operational outcomes.
The COAS said the ongoing expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions was a strategic repositioning aimed at addressing emerging threats, improving territorial coverage and enhancing operational responsiveness across the country.
He, however, stressed that the expansion went beyond increasing the number of formations and personnel, noting that the ultimate objective was to build a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force.
According to him, the effectiveness of the expanded force will depend largely on the integration of trained personnel, modern technology, actionable intelligence, robust logistics and efficient command and control systems.
He emphasised that additional formations and numerical strength must translate into superior combat capability, operational flexibility and measurable improvements in the country's security situation.
Shaibu also urged military commanders to adopt innovative approaches to warfare by integrating intelligence, technology, information operations and combat capabilities across multiple domains.
He stressed that operational success must be anchored on professionalism, discipline and respect for the rule of law to sustain public confidence and institutional credibility.
The Army Chief charged participants of Course 10/2026 to apply the strategic knowledge and leadership skills acquired during their training to improve operational effectiveness, strengthen inter-agency cooperation and support the transformation of the Nigerian Army.
Delivering the graduation lecture titled “Winning in Complex Security Environments: Reimagining the Nigerian Army Force Structure for Multi-Domain Operations,” former National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), called for a fundamental review of military structures, doctrines and operational concepts to address emerging security threats.
Monguno highlighted the growing importance of integrating land, air, cyber and information capabilities in modern warfare.
He said emerging technologies, including unmanned aerial systems, artificial intelligence and digital communication platforms, were rapidly changing the character of military operations.
The retired general advocated sustained investment in technological innovation, intelligence integration, institutional reforms and continuous professional military education to equip commanders for increasingly complex and contested operational environments.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, Maj.-Gen. Umar Alkali, expressed appreciation to the COAS for his support in strengthening the institution's capacity to develop operational-level commanders and strategic leaders.
Alkali said participants of Course 10/2026 had undergone rigorous professional training designed to sharpen their critical thinking, operational planning and leadership capabilities for contemporary military operations.
The graduation lecture formed part of activities marking the graduation of Course 10/2026 and underscored the Nigerian Army's emphasis on developing professionally trained, technologically adaptable and operationally proficient commanders capable of fulfilling the military's constitutional responsibilities.
